This was one of at least five documented instances in which Ford had been aggressive toward authorities prior to his death Sunday. Records say he has threatened police officers at least three times over the last decade.

On one occasion, Ford lied and told police he had a gun when he didn’t. Then, he dared an officer to shoot him.

Ford was most recently released from Missouri prison Nov. 4 of this year. Less than a month later, he was fatally shot by deputies in the woods of Bois D’Arc in western Greene County.

The beginning

Ford’s criminal history was first documented in 1998. He was given probation after he hit his younger sister in the head with a broom handle.

In January 2001, Ford was convicted of burglary in St. Clair County. He and two of his friends stole gold Kruggerands and other valuable coins from a safe stored in a Shelter Insurance office in Osceola.

Ford racked up two more burglary convictions over the next three years.

Between 1998 and 2008, Ford was released on parole or probation six times. Each time, Ford ultimately returned to prison for new offenses.

During that decade, Ford was referred to substance abuse treatment twice but he never completed it. He had only been employed for brief stints.

He struggled with mental health issues, his parole officer wrote, having previously been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Other documents show Ford self-reported anxiety and depression.

Ford told the officers he had a gun and that he was going to shoot the officer with it. Ford asked if the officer would then shoot him. Ford, according to the report, did not actually have a firearm.

The end

Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott said Sunday that Ford rushed three deputies near the woods in western Greene County. Ford, authorities said, appeared to carrying something, but it is unclear if Ford was armed.

Deputies were called to a home Sunday evening on Farm Road 45, just north of Interstate 44, by a homeowner who had found — and confronted — an unknown man outside his home.

That homeowner was Don Clark, director of safety and transportation at Missouri State University. Clark also is a retired Springfield police officer.

So far, the News-Leader has been unable to find any previous connection between Clark and Ford.

Official accounts of the shooting say Clark retreated into his home and called 911. Among other things, Clark told the emergency dispatcher that the man said he had a weapon.

Contacted by the News-Leader on Monday, Clark declined to comment and deferred questions to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies have provided few other details of the shooting, citing an ongoing investigation.

Arnott said he has seen video evidence of the event, and he believes the deputies acted appropriately.

(Page 4 of 4)

The News-Leader has requested the video.

Three deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation of the incident, which is standard procedure in fatal shootings.

Arnott said he would release the deputies’ names after their counseling was complete but couldn’t give a date.

After deputies responded Sunday to the 911 call, a suspect fled into a nearby wooded area, early news releases said. The deputies tried to talk to the man — now identified as Ford — out of the woods.

The sheriff’s office said the man engaged deputies and “appeared to display a weapon in his hands.” The office also states the suspect failed to comply with oral commands and “charged at deputies who fired an unknown number of rounds.”

Arnott, who reviewed video from the incident, said the sheriff’s office has not determined whether the man had a weapon.

“We don’t know what he was holding, but it appeared to be a weapon,” Arnott said. “On the video, it appeared there was a weapon.”

Once shots were fired, Ford was taken into custody and an ambulance called. He was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday, Arnott said the suspect had been pronounced dead at the hospital.